Ride 25-40 miles long Brooklyn’s waterfront from Greenpoint to Riis Park Beach! Discover hidden and far flung neighborhoods, pedal through city, state and national parks and take in spectacular bridge and city views along the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway.

Continue the fun at The Epic After Party at the Riis Park Beach Bazaar with bands, food, drinks and take a dip in the sea! Riders will be fully supported by experienced marshals and mechanics along the route and refreshments will be offered at scenic rest stops. Complimentary bike valet will be offered at the finish line.

By participating in The Epic Ride, you are supporting Brooklyn Greenway Initiative, the non-profit organization committed to the establishment, development and long-term stewardship of the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway. When complete, this 14-mile landscaped route for pedestrians and cyclists will connect neighborhood parks and open spaces from Greenpoint to Bay Ridge.

Admission

Early Bird $45.00 – Now to May 4!

General Admission $55.00 – May 5 to June 2

Late Entry $65.00 – June 2 to July 20

Route

Bike Rental

DON’T HAVE A BIKE OR DON’T WANT TO RIDE THE EXTRA MILES TO THE START LINE OR FROM THE FINISH LINE?

We have partnered with Unlimited Biking so you can ride The Epic on a (men or women’s style) bike that will be delivered to the start and collected from the finish line.

All of the bicycles offered are brand new Cannondales in a range of options to best suit your needs. They will offer the Cannondale Kids Bike with either a 20″ or the 24″ wheel, the Cannondale Adventure 3 Ladies Bike, the Cannondale Quick 6 Men’s Bike, and the Cannondale CAAD8 Road Bike for those looking for a high-performance option.

Rest Stops

SAG (Support and Gear)

The Epic Ride is supported by experienced ride marshals who travel with riders as well as two SAG vehicles who will be out on the course and will trail the back of the pack. If you are running out of steam or fall too far behind, SAG will transport you and your bike to the Finish Festival. If you require SAG support, ask a ride marshal to contact them on your behalf.

Medical

Emergency medical technicians (EMTs), paramedics, and ambulances will be deployed along the route to attend to medical needs.

Bike Repair

Bike repair will be provided at the start line, rest stops and the Finish Festival. Labor is free, but bring an extra tube with you in case of a flat.

Information Tents

Information tents located at each rest area and the Finish Festival are your go-to resources for all questions and concerns.

Finish Festival

Park your bike at the complimentary bike valet and head on up to the boardwalk for live music, delicious food, drinks, and take a dip in the sea! Bring cash so you can chow down.

Official Epic Ride t-shirts will be available for purchase.

Getting Home

Public Transit

You can ride/take the Q22 Bus to the S Train at Roackaway Park 116 St, then transfer to the A Train at Broad Channel

OR

You can ride/take the Q22 Bus to the Beach 67 St A Train and take this train to your final destination.

OR

You can also take the Ferry: Take the Rockaway NYC Ferry for just $2.75 from Sunset Park or Wall Street/Pier 11. From there, a free shuttle will take you right to Jacob Riis Park where the Riis Park Beach Bazarre is located. Note: Take the shuttle heading West to get to the beach, and East to get back to the NYC ferry.

Start and Schedule

Greenpoint Start times:

Check – In time:

7:00AM

Ride Start:

8:00AM (fast group)

8:30AM (leisure group)

Ride Guide

2018 Ride Guide Coming Soon!

We ride rain or shine

The Epic Ride will take place rain or shine on July 21, 2018. There is no rain date. In the event of cancellation due to severe weather, your registration fee is non-refundable and instead will be considered a charitable contribution to Brooklyn Greenway Initiative.

Rules of the road

Wear your helmet.

Respect other cyclists

Human-powered bikes only

Use hand signals to indicate that you are slowing down, stopping, turning, or changing lanes

Keep to the right; pass left. (Call out “On your left” when passing a cyclist)

Move completely off the road if stopping for any reason

Do not ride against the flow of cyclists

Do not use your cell phone while riding

Maintain adequate distance between yourself and other cyclists—especially on downhills

Control your speed and be prepared to slow down for congestion or road hazards

Keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times

What to bring

Cash for food and merchandise at the Finish Festival, etc

Photo identification

Cell phone

Water bottles (You can refill them at rest areas and water stations along the route.)

Weather-appropriate clothing (Be sure to check the forecast)

MetroCard – You may want to take the A train home from the beach

Turn sheet

Swim suit and towel

Sunscreen

Sunglasses

An extra bike tube; make sure they’re the correct size with the correct valve

Patch kit in case of a flat

Corporate Teams

Workplace involvement in The Epic Ride is a unique way to support employees and make a contribution to a valuable cause!

Companies situated close to the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway will also benefit directly from its completion:

Your employees can use the greenway to commute to work;

Customers and clients can reach you by traveling along the route;

Your business becomes more accessible to people who work or play;

And a bonus: Getting fellow staff members involved promotes a healthy workforce!

The Epic Ride is all about teamwork – it’s a great opportunity for team building and a fun way to develop team spirit among colleagues.

FAQs

What am I supporting by riding The Epic?

By participating in The Epic Ride, you are supporting Brooklyn Greenway Initiative, the non-profit organization committed to the establishment, development and long-term stewardship of the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway. When complete, this 14-mile landscaped route for pedestrians and cyclists will connect neighborhood parks and open spaces from Greenpoint to Bay Ridge.

Where does the money go?

Your charitable donation covers the cost of amenities provided for the ride—everything from food to entertainment as well as behind-the-scenes expenses. We work hard to ensure that our price is a fraction of the charge of other major bike rides. Brooklyn Greenway Initiative is a 501c3 non-profit organization and any proceeds from The Epic Ride go to support our mission.

Can children ride the Epic?

Children who will operate their own bicycle must be at least 10 years of age and be accompanied by an adult. Youth ages 3-9 years must ride on a tandem bike, tagalong bike, or a bike trailer.

Can I ride in a team?

Yes, teams with a minimum of four riders can ride together. This is a great team building opportunity for colleagues, students, friends and family.

Are there bag restrictions?

There are no bag restrictions at The Epic Ride.

Is there coat check?

No, there is no coat check available.

How experienced do I need to be at riding?

Riders must be confident riding with traffic on the roads and able to maintain a pace of 10 mph.

Are there different speed groups for the ride?

Yes, we will stagger the start with a fast group (15+ mph) and a leisure group (10-15 mph).

What is the route for The Epic?

The Epic travels along portions of the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway and the Jamaica Bay Greenway, which are situated along the Brooklyn and Queens waterfronts. Some of the route is on-street, so participants must be confident riding with traffic. We are currently finalizing the route and will post the 2017 route map on the website once it has been confirmed. Stay tuned for updates!

How do I get back at the end of The Epic Ride?

Return trip can be made via the Shuttle/A train at Beach 116 St, Rockaway Beach, by ferry at Riis Landing, or by bicycle.

Is lunch provided for riders at the finish line at Rockaway Beach?

Please bring money to buy your lunch from one of the food vendors at Riis Park Beach Bazaar. Snacks and water will be provided at the start and rest areas along the route.

Will there be an after party?

An after party hosted by Riis Park Beach Bazaar will be held at the finish line. There will be live music, complimentary beer and food available for purchase and you can have a swim in the ocean!

What happens if I start the ride, but cannot finish it due to unforeseen circumstances?

You can leave the ride at any time. However, once you leave the route you will no longer have access to services including rest areas and bike marshal support.

Is bike repair offered along the route?

Rest areas will have a bicycle mechanic station for minor repairs. Ride marshals should be able to offer some assistance for minor repairs while on the route. We strongly recommend bringing an extra bike tube on the route, pumping up your tires the day before and getting your bike tuned up ahead of time.

Will there be food and refreshments along the Tour route?

Yes, the start and each rest stop will have all sorts of nutritious snacks and goodies to keep you going until the end!

Can I sell or give my ticket away?

No. Registration is non-refundable, non-deferrable and non-transferable. If you decide not to ride, we can convert your registration into a charitable contribution. Brooklyn Greenway Initiative is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.

How can I find out where rest stops, water stations and bike maintenance hubs are along the route?

This information will be available on the route map, which will be posted on this website and emailed to all registrants with their ride guide. Ride guides will be emailed 10 days before the event. Stay tuned for updates!

Do I need a helmet for the ride?

Yes, helmets are required for The Epic Ride.

What if the weather is bad?

The Epic Ride will take place rain or shine. There is no rain date. In the event of cancellation due to severe weather, your registration fee is non-refundable and instead will be considered a charitable contribution to Brooklyn Greenway Initiative. If it’s going to be a sunny day, don’t forget your sunscreen!

HOW DO I VERIFY THAT I AM REGISTERED FOR THE TOUR?

If you received a confirmation email, you are registered. If you did not receive a confirmation email, email epicride@brooklyngreenway.org

Do I have to pick up a packet ahead of the ride?

No, you will receive all information via email ahead of the ride and will receive your wristband to participate at the start line.

What else should I bring on the ride?

Helmet Water bottles filled with water Appropriate clothing: be prepared for rain and/or intense sun Sunglasses and sunscreen Extra tire tube (check for the size on your tire) Money: although we provide snacks and water, you may want to buy a full lunch from food vendors at the after party Bring a camera and fully-charged cell phone so you can Tweet Facebook and Instagram along the way Treat your bike to a full tune up before the ride

Volunteer

Volunteering at The Epic Ride is a great experience, with camaraderie, goodwill and loads of fun! Volunteers and bike marshals play an integral role in creating an unforgettable experience for participants of The Epic Ride.

Volunteer Roles

Ride Marshals

Ride Marshals are crucial to keeping the ride running smoothly and safely. They are experienced cyclists who provide assistance along the route. Strong people skills, flat repair skills, and basic bike repair knowledge are a must.

We are looking for the following Ride Marshals:

Ride leaders to ride in the front and set the pace/lead the route

Support riders who will ride in the middle with the group

Sweeps to ride at the back of the group and offer any bike maintenance that may be required

Responsibilities include helping riders with flat and bike repair, responding to road emergencies, providing information to participants, encouraging slow riders, and assisting riders boarding SAG (support and gear) vehicles. At the end of the ride, Ride Marshals join us at the finish line for the after party.

Course Marshals

Course Marshals assist with safety, communication and directions on the course. Though riding is not required for the Course Marshal position, basic cycling knowledge is helpful and strong people skills are a must. On event day, Course Marshals meet at the start line and will be driven to their location on the course by an event courier. Responsibilities may include alerting participants to specific road conditions, assisting with crowd control and road emergencies, encouraging slow riders, and providing information to participants, spectators, and nearby residents.

Event Day Volunteers

Event Day Volunteers are an integral part of the event. They serve many functions, which may include setting up, checking in riders, serving snacks and beverages at rest stops, providing information to spectators and community members, managing the bike valet, and assisting at the after party at Rockaway Beach. No riding or bike skills are required, and volunteer groups are welcome.

Event Day Volunteers can select from the following roles:

Start line: Set up equipment and supplies, merchandise tent, check in participants, provide information, direct and assist riders, clean up and breakdown.

Rest Stops at Owls Head Park, Bay Ridge and Floyd Bennett Field: Volunteers set up the area, greet and assist cyclists, check in participants who are starting from those locations, distribute snacks and water, direct traffic flow, and pack down.

Finish Festival at Riis Park Beach: Roles include set up, cheering participants on at the finish line, managing the bike valet, merchandise tent, and pack down.

Volunteer Benefits

In appreciation for their hard work, all volunteers are guaranteed the opportunity to pre-register for The Epic Ride 2018 and receive discounted registration for one of Brooklyn Greenway Initiative’s sporting events.

Volunteer T-Shirt: Every volunteer receives an official Epic Ride t-shirt. Please pick your t-shirt size when registering as a volunteer.

Volunteer Training: All volunteers are required to attend a mandatory briefing session prior to the event. Details to follow. Volunteers will also receive a volunteer handbook via email that will provide all details pertaining to volunteering at event.

Do you have questions that weren’t answered here? Send us an email at volunteer@brooklyngreenway.org. We look forward to hearing from you!

Media inquiries

For media inquiries, images, or to request a press pass to the event, please email Gabriel Rodriguez.